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About BCN3D Technologies

BCN3D Technologies is one of the leading manufacturers of desktop 3D printers worldwide. Based in Barcelona, the activity of BCN3D began in 2012 as a division of the CIM-UPC center, a Technology Center of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), leader in additive manufacturing in the south of Europe.

BCN3D aims to change the traditional manufacturing status quo by providing reliable, versatile and productive processes. Undeniably, 3D Printing is a game-changing technology called to lead such a revolution. For this reason, BCN3D develops affordable 3D printers with ease-of-use and versatility in mind in order to empower its customers to implement all the technology benefits to their businesses.

Among the multiple 3D Printing technologies in the market, FFF is the most widely spread because of several reasons. First of all, both the hardware and material are affordable, requiring a low initial investment. Secondly, there is a large range of materials available (such as Nylon, TPU, PET-G or ABS, among others), so the technology is suitable for multiple applications and markets. Finally, the design criteria needed and equipment operation are simple enough, especially compared with other 3D Printing technologies, so there is no need for specialized operators or complex training.

IDEX Disruptive Architecture

BCN3D Printers are equipped with a unique dual extrusion architecture: the Independent Dual Extruder system (IDEX). It allows to print 2 different materials or colours while ensures the finest surface finish. The idle toolhead remains parked, preventing the dripping of molten plastic onto the part.

Because of the manufacturing strategy, sometimes it is required to build auxiliary support structures for those models with overhangs shallower than 45° from the horizontal plane.

In the case of printers that only have one extruder instead of a dual extruder system, once the model is printed, it is necessary to perform a manual and time-consuming operation to remove the supports. This process affects the quality surface between the model and the supports and also increases the chances of breaking the part. In addition, depending on the geometry of the model it can be impossible to totally remove the supports by hand.

However, BCN3D Technologies proposition uses IDEX architecture to counteract the described disadvantage. IDEX stands for Independent Dual Extruder, a unique system that allows to print support structures properly and ensures the finest surface finish. Most of the other printers featuring Dual Extrusion have both toolheads in the same carriage. However, IDEX architecture allows to park the idle carriage aside, preventing the dripping of molten plastic onto the part and improving the overall quality.